Fiji: Authorities permitting entry for some fully vaccinated groups from select locations as of Nov. 11 /update 14

Event

Fiji has lifted an entry ban for fully vaccinated returning residents, permit holders, diplomats, and other approved travelers from 27 Travel Partner locations, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the UAE, the UK, the US, and several Pacific nations and territories. A complete list of Travel Partner locations is available here. As of Nov. 11, permitted travelers from these locations must undergo a three-day quarantine at Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) hotel booked in advance, take a COVID-19 test on day two of quarantine, in addition to existing entry requirements. Entrants can leave quarantine upon receiving a negative test result. The government intends to relax the border further, permitting tourist travel from Travel Partner locations starting Dec. 1.

Domestic Restrictions
Social distancing measures remain in place. A nationwide 23:00-04:00 curfew is also ongoing. Officials permit fully vaccinated people to attend gatherings of any size outdoors or up to 80-percent capacity indoors. Officials limit capacity at workplaces, tertiary institutions, places of worship, recreational, and hospitality venues to 80-percent, with fully vaccinated workers and patrons. Facemasks are required in most public areas, except when exercising, having picnics at the beach, or on boats.

Employers must ensure that employees and customers wear appropriate protective equipment, including facemasks, complete temperature checks before entry, and consistently enforce 2-meter (6.5-foot) distancing. Workers must also download the government's careFiji mobile application to attend work. The government requires companies to post Quick response (QR) codes at the entrance of all facilities, and patrons must check-in. Employers must provide equipment and smartphones for employees, if necessary, and send health authorities information on absentee workers. Officials could issue a fine of up to FJD 10,000 and/or five years imprisonment for people violating the measures.

Public transport on the island may operate at 80 percent capacity with vaccinated people. Vaccinated passengers may travel to Vanua Levu with negative results of a COVID-19 rapid antigen test before departure. Such travelers must undergo a seven-day home quarantine upon arrival. The government has also lifted travel restrictions within Viti Levu but requires prior approval for inter-island travel. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has suspended all nonessential outbound maritime passenger transport from Viti Levu. Inter-island cargo services continue; captains of vessels must register with MSAF and only offload cargo in designated areas. Cargo truck drivers may also continue to operate inter-island deliveries but must always remain in their vehicles while on Vanua Levu and outlying islands. After completing deliveries, drivers must return to a designated location to await return ferries. Authorities have also suspended all maritime transport to some islands due to COVID-19 concerns.

International Travel Restrictions
Fiji continues to ban entry for most foreign nationals and unvaccinated residents. Authorities require permitted entrants, including people arriving from Travel Partner locations, to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours before departure and download the careFIJI app. Foreign arrivals must also hold international travel insurance.

Fully vaccinated and approved unvaccinated residents returning from non-Travel Partner locations must quarantine for 10 days at government-managed facilities. Entrants must pay for quarantine and health monitoring costs, with various exceptions. While charges for quarantine can vary, authorities indicate the average expense is FJD 2,200, and health-related expenses are FJD 690. Some inbound travelers may be allowed to self-quarantine with permission. The government is asking Fijian nationals to suspend outbound travel.

International commercial flights are resuming gradually, though officials may continue to authorize some charter flights for repatriation and emergency medical purposes. Cruise ships remain banned from docking; however, yachts and private leisure vessels can dock at Savusavu Bay and Port Denarau with permission and adherence to quarantine and testing requirements.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.